‘Battle Ready – “Victory Through Truth and Righteousness’ – 1.14.2024

January 14, 2024

The Whole Armor of God 

10 A final word: Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11 Put on all of God’s  armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil. 12 For  we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and  authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against  evil spirits in the heavenly places. 13 Therefore, put on every piece of God’s armor so  you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will  still be standing firm. Ephesians 6:10-13 NLT 

A QUICK REFRESH FROM LAST WEEK… 

  • BE STRONG IN THE LORD. 
  • WE ARE TO PUT ON ALL OF THE ARMOR. 
  • WE HAVE TO KNOW OUR ENEMY AND HIS STRATEGIES. WE NEED TO KNOW THE ONE TRUE GOD PERSONALLY.  

14 Stand your ground, putting on the belt of truth and the body armor of God’s  righteousness. 15 For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News so  that you will be fully prepared. 16 In addition to all of these, hold up the shield of faith  to stop the fiery arrows of the devil. 17 Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the  sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. 18 Pray in the Spirit at all times and on  every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers  everywhere. Ephesians 6:14-18 NLT 

HOW DO WE GET READY FOR BATTLE? 

14 Stand your ground, putting on the belt of truth and the body armor of God’s  righteousness. 15 For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News so  that you will be fully prepared. Ephesians 6:14-15 NLT 

STAND YOUR GROUND

  • Draw a line, decide, commit
  • Don’t back down. 

THE BELT OF TRUTH 

  • Saturate your mind and heart with the word of God. 
  • “Gird up your loins” – prepare oneself for something difficult or challenging. The belt is what holds things together and in place. 
  • Get ready to fight by drawing close to the truth regularly
  • When you know the truth, you see clearly the lies of the enemy. This could also mean truthful attitude or person of integrity

THE BODY ARMOR OF GOD’S RIGHTEOUSNESS  

  • The righteousness of Christ covers us. 

21 Since you have heard about Jesus and have learned the truth that comes from  him, 22 throw off your old sinful nature and your former way of life, which is corrupted  by lust and deception. 23 Instead, let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes. 24 Put on your new nature, created to be like God—truly righteous and holy.  Ephesians 4:21-24 NLT 

  • To be righteous means to obey God’s commandments and live in a way that  is honorable to Him.  
  • Our lifestyle either fortifies against the attacks of the enemy or makes us  vulnerable to the enemy.  

4 Everyone who sins is breaking God’s law, for all sin is contrary to the law of  God. 5 And you know that Jesus came to take away our sins, and there is no sin in  him. 6 Anyone who continues to live in him will not sin. But anyone who keeps on  sinning does not know him or understand who he is. 7 Dear children, don’t let anyone  deceive you about this: When people do what is right, it shows that they are  righteous, even as Christ is righteous. 8 But when people keep on sinning, it shows  that they belong to the devil, who has been sinning since the beginning. But the Son  of God came to destroy the works of the devil. 9 Those who have been born into  God’s family do not make a practice of sinning, because God’s life is in them. So they  can’t keep on sinning, because they are children of God. 10 So now we can tell who  are children of God and who are children of the devil. Anyone who does not live  righteously and does not love other believers does not belong to God. 1 John 3:4-10  NLT 

5 Those who are dominated by the sinful nature think about sinful things, but those  who are controlled by the Holy Spirit think about things that please the Spirit. 6 So  letting your sinful nature control your mind leads to death. But letting the Spirit control  your mind leads to life and peace. Romans 8:5-6 NLT 

FOR SHOES, PUT ON THE PEACE THAT COMES FROM THE GOOD NEWS. 6 Jesus told him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father  except through me.” John 14:6 NLT 

11 We also pray that you will be strengthened with all his glorious power so you will  have all the endurance and patience you need. May you be filled with joy, 12 always  thanking the Father. He has enabled you to share in the inheritance that belongs to  

his people, who live in the light. 13 For he has rescued us from the kingdom of  darkness and transferred us into the Kingdom of his dear Son, 14 who purchased our  freedom and forgave our sins. Colossians 1:11-14 NLT 

Next steps for me today… 

  • To listen to God’s truth. 
  • To draw near to God through His Word and Prayer.
  • To live a life of righteousness. To put my faith in Jesus.

Handbook & Welcome Packet

•    The parent must complete the necessary registration forms and pay a non-refundable Annual materials fee. This covers registration fees, book, and materials for class.

•    The parent must provide the center with a pre-school/child immunization certificate, or Blue Slip. This is to be kept updated, if it is not, the center will send out a notice stating that the required immunizations are out dated. The form can be obtained through the health department or your pediatrician.

•    The parent will receive a copy of the policies and procedures and will go over them thoroughly. The parent will sign the Parental Agreement form which indicates policies and procedures and agreed upon fees.

•    All enrollment forms, including a Schedule Information Form, must be completed by the parent and returned to the center by the first day of attendance.

•    Parents of children with special needs or handicaps must inform the director of the child’s condition(s) prior to enrollment so it can be determined if the center can adequately meet the needs of the child. This is necessary for the well being of the child.